Guest New2GMRS Posted December 31, 2022 Report Share Posted December 31, 2022 This is probably a dumb question as I've just recently started looking into GMRS, so apologies in advanced xD I'm looking to hike the Appalacian Trail in the next year and was thinking of taking a GMRS radio with me to communicate with my brother (who will also be hiking). Since the area is so tree-filled and hilly, I was looking at the repeater map on here to determine if I'd have decent repeater coverage for most of the hike. I've noticed some of the repeaters are typed as Members Only (paid). For example Flagship 675 in Jasper Georgia which covers quite a large section of the Georgia portion of the Appalacian Trail says it's Members Only (paid). I haven't applyed for my GMRS licence yet as I'm still debating if it will be worth taking a GMRS radio with me so I can't get details provided with each repeater since I can't yet create an account. My question is, how would I access these Members Only repeaters and approximately how much does it cost? I've tried googling, but haven't had much luck. Thanks in advance to anyone able to answer my probably stupid question. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OffRoaderX Posted December 31, 2022 Report Share Posted December 31, 2022 You would have to contact the repeater owner to find out the "tones" to access the repeater and how much they charge for its use. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WRUU653 Posted December 31, 2022 Report Share Posted December 31, 2022 I can't speak to this location or repeater but they have membership info here https://nggmrs.org. Are you hiking together? What kind of distance will you have between you? You may want to also carry something like an InReach Mini 2 for such a trip. TavisB 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WRCZ387 Posted December 31, 2022 Report Share Posted December 31, 2022 Flagship 675 is part of North Georgia GMRS I believe that they state that their repeaters are open to "transient" users, so as a traveler, as someone passing through that area, I don't think that they'd give you any grief A few years ago, I was vacationing north of Chattanooga, & I checked into their weekly net as a guest on the Lookout Mountain repeater Other repeater owners may not be as open to travelers, you'll have to find out with each one 73, Happy New Year & enjoy your hike Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MichaelLAX Posted December 31, 2022 Report Share Posted December 31, 2022 There are NO dumb questions; only dumb answers! Which other repeaters are you interested in? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gortex2 Posted January 1, 2023 Report Share Posted January 1, 2023 Just get a sat unit and don't rely on the GMRS radio. A Garmin Inreach Mini will cost about $20 for the safety plan and allow you to send a text or message home to let folks know your ok. Simple and cheap solution that will work on the entire AT. In the end the cost of the GMRS radios, paid repeater access will cost just as much TavisB 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kerstuff Posted January 1, 2023 Report Share Posted January 1, 2023 (edited) I've gotten permission from the NGA GMRS group for both Cades Cove & Blue Ridge, GA repeaters when traveling. When I put up base station antenna & if I can hit their repeater system I will join. Edited January 1, 2023 by kerstuff Spelling Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MichaelLAX Posted January 1, 2023 Report Share Posted January 1, 2023 Base antenna while you are hiking? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kerstuff Posted January 1, 2023 Report Share Posted January 1, 2023 Negative. I live in the mountains & can use these repeaters when visiting family. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MichaelLAX Posted January 1, 2023 Report Share Posted January 1, 2023 2 minutes ago, kerstuff said: Negative. I live in the mountains & can use these repeaters when visiting family. Wait: I thought I was responding to you as the OP who signed in as Guest, but that's not you. On 12/31/2022 at 2:26 AM, Guest New2GMRS said: This is probably a dumb question as I've just recently started looking into GMRS, so apologies in advanced xD I'm looking to hike the Appalacian Trail... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kerstuff Posted January 1, 2023 Report Share Posted January 1, 2023 No prob. MichaelLAX 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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